Rebels vs Waratahs Betting Tips, Preview & Odds – Rebels to dampen Waratahs' hopes

The Rebels take on the Waratahs in a massive Super Rugby AU encounter at the Leichhardt Oval on Saturday. The Waratahs must emerge victorious to keep their play-off dreams alive, as they do not play in the final round thanks to a bye. However, when things become tight, I back the Rebels to show more quality.

The Rebels are a good enough side to challenge for top honours in Super Rugby AU, but they have not been playing as well as they can this campaign. They have picked up three wins, drawn one, and lost two this season and will be desperate to beat the Waratahs to a play-off spot.

The Rebels finally showed their true quality three weeks ago when they brushed aside the Brumbies 30-12, but they then fell to a 19-3 defeat against the Reds in their last clash. The Rebels have struggled for consistency, so there is hope in the camp that their bye last weekend will see them refreshed for the challenges that lie ahead.

Rebels star man Matt To’omua has been declared fit and will start at inside centre. Jermaine Ainsley makes his way into the front-row despite having an injury cloud hanging over his head. Reece Hodge will continue at full-back in the absence of Dane Haylett-Petty.

The Waratahs are the picture of inconsistency, but they still can qualify for the play-off round. To achieve that feat, they must take down the Rebels this weekend, which represents their final game of the round robin phase.

Things were looking very good when the Waratahs smacked the Reds 45-12 a fortnight ago, but a weak showing against the Brumbies last weekend highlighted their issues. The Brumbies breezed to a 38-11 win.

Waratahs head coach Rob Penney has selected has opted for former Rugby League star Tepai Moeroa at outside centre in the absence of Karmichael Hunt.

The Waratahs have a 9-3 advantage over the Rebels in their last 12 meetings.

The Rebels, though, have won the last two meetings of the sides and defeated the Tahs’ 29-10 earlier in the Super Rugby AU season.

The Rebels are priced at 1.80, while the Waratahs are available at 2.05. A draw pays 23.00.

The handicap for this clash is set at just 1 point.

This is a big game. Winner takes all, really. The Rebels though do have more quality about them, but if the Waratahs can raise their game, we could be in for an epic encounter.